By State Rep. Brooks Landgraf
October 19, 2021 marked the last day of the Texas Legislature’s third special session of the year, where I was honored to serve Andrews, Ector, Ward and Winkler counties in the Texas House of Representatives. This year has been one filled with trials and tribulations which included many months of hard work and many long days. I would not have it any other way. Through it all, it has been my absolute pleasure to be here on your behalf fighting for West Texas.
One month ago we were tasked to take up the distribution of federal COVID relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, property tax relief for Texans, and redistricting. This was no easy feat to accomplish before the conclusion of a 30 day special session but I am pleased to announce that the Texas legislature delivered. Most importantly, I am proud to say there were huge victories brought for West Texas.
Senate Bill 8 was passed by the House and Senate and now heads to the governor’s desk for signature. This legislation directs how the state will spend federal dollars allocated to Texas under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Representative Craddick and I worked together to ensure SB 8 included $40 million for a behavioral health center that will be constructed and operated by the hospital districts of Midland and Ector County.
The Permian Basin behavioral health center will consist of 100 inpatient beds, outpatient psychiatric care facilities, crisis stabilization unit, professional offices, and counseling and therapeutic spaces appropriate for all ages. The health center is expected to be completed by 2024.
Texans who live in the Permian Basin will no longer have to drive to Lubbock or San Angelo in order to access similar care. I’m so proud our communities, hospitals and legislative delegation have been able to work together to accomplish this important goal.
SB 8 also allocates $500 million for broadband infrastructure which will expand rural broadband access and close the digital divide that became apparent in our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. School districts, including ECISD will be able to utilize these funds to help improve students’ online access to educational resources.
I’m also proud to have fought to secure $44 million in funding in Senate Bill 52 for the University of Texas at the Permian Basin to renovate the Mesa Building, which is the main building on campus. The state is truly stepping up to invest in the Permian Basin more than ever before, and we’re doing this without raising taxes on Texans.
Finally, the legislature passed Senate Joint Resolution 2 by Senator Bettencourt. Upon voter approval of the constitutional amendment offered by SJR 2, the homestead exemption will be increased by 60%, from $25,000 to $40,000. This is a big win for Texas families who are expected to save on their yearly property tax bill.
Earlier this year, I gave you my word that I would fight relentlessly to make sure the interests of our community would remain protected as the Texas Legislature worked to redraw district maps that would be in effect for the next decade and that’s what I did.
The results of the 2020 Census showed that West Texas population growth did not keep pace with growth in other parts of the state, specifically along the I-35 corridor and around Houston. We were expected to lose representation.
Instead, West Texas held our ground while remaining compliant with all applicable state and federal laws and we will retain our 16 districts in the Texas House of Representatives. The same held true for the U.S. congressional districts and Texas senate districts— not a single seat was lost. As one of two West Texans on the House Redistricting Committee, I was very proud to lead the effort to fight for our beloved region.
However, the victory has caused some changes to House District 81, which is the district you’ve elected me to serve.
The 2020 Census showed that the state’s overall population increased by nearly 4 million, setting the ideal population for each of Texas’ 150 house districts at 194,303, meaning that every district must be within 5 percentage points of that amount.
HD 81 was one of the only West Texas districts above the ideal population level. This necessitated shifting Andrews County into HD 88 in order to help West Texas keep a seat in the House, and allow our region to have a strong delegation for our interests in Austin.
Despite this change, my love for Andrews will remain in my heart forever. I am so proud and fortunate to have had the privilege to serve the people of Andrews for the past six years.
While losing Andrews is disheartening, I’m excited to welcome Loving County and its 64 residents into the fold. I’ve represented the majority of Wink-Loving ISD for years, so adding Loving County to HD 81 ensures the entire school district has a dedicated state representative.
At the conclusion of the 2021 redistricting process, one thing is for certain, the voice of West Texas will continue to be heard and be fully represented. Regardless of which counties are in HD 81, know that I will never stop fighting for the interests of the Permian Basin and West Texas.
Thank you to all of you who contacted me throughout the year to share your views on the issues before the Legislature. Also, a special thanks to those of you who offered up prayers for my fellow lawmakers and me. I know I needed them, and I felt them!
God bless Texas!
